Charles Ben Kirschen

Charles Kirschen was "Charlie" to his work colleagues but "Jerry " to friends and family. He rose from humble beginnings to graduate with an Electrical Engineering degree from City College. Jerry became and Aerospace Engineer and spent most of his career at Grumman where he designed the computer systems that made the F-14 fly and the Lunar Module systems that sent men to the moon and brought them back.

Jerry was proud of the fact that he stayed up all night and helped devise a rescue plan for the crew of Apollo 13. He came from an age where people didn't brag about their accomplishments so he rarely took credit for them but he was recognized with a plaque that hangs in the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Jerry married Doris Davidson, the love of his life, on July 3rd, 1960, and together they raised two children, Barry and Karen. When Jerry retired, he became the Program Director of the Plainview Senior Citizen Club, which had hundreds of members. Jerry not only provided weekly programming, he taught himself grant writing in order to fund those programs.

During their retirement, he and Doris became expert ballroom dancers. They especially loved dancing the tango. He was a kind, caring, gentle, highly intelligent man with many interests, a true Renaissance Man. Jerry enjoyed art, theatre, music, discussing world affairs and travel.

Above all else, Jerry valued his family.  He leaves behind his daughter Karen, her boyfriend Gene, his son Barry, his daughter in law Cyndy, and his grandsons Jordan and Aaron.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to EAC Network Meals on Wheels, 1260 Meadowbrook Rd., North Merrick NY, 11566.

Jerry will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

A graveside service for Charles will be held Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at New Montefiore Cemetery, 1180 Wellwood Ave, West Babylon, NY 11704.